Manchester United are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde, as per TEAMtalk.
The Red Devils currently have Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu as specialist options to deploy in the left-back position. Moreover, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can provide cover in this area if needed, but they are right-backs by trait.
Shaw has had numerous fitness problems since joining from Southampton and has entered the final few months of his current contract at Old Trafford.
On the other hand, Dorgu mainly featured as a winger under Michael Carrick but has provided cover in the LB position this season. However, he has sustained a hamstring problem during international duty with Denmark.
So, it appears United are considering reinforcing the left-back position next year. Now, TEAMtalk claim that Man Utd are exploring the possibility of signing Balde and have held talks over a potential January move.
With the Spaniard currently struggling to break into Hansi Flick’s starting line-up, Barcelona are open to letting him leave in January, and United are planning to sign him on an initial loan deal.
Apart from the 20-time English champions, Liverpool, Sunderland, Everton and Fulham have been offered the chance to sign Balde through intermediaries.
Balde to Man Utd
The report state that Man Utd previously expressed their interest in Nathaniel Brown and Lewis Hall. But the German decided to join Bayern Munich this summer, while Hall has stayed at Newcastle United by signing a fresh long-term contract.
Balde has entered the final two years of his current contract and is valued at around £34m by Transfermarkt. So, the Blaugrana are in a strong position to demand a big fee to sell him.
Balde is an attack-minded left-back and can provide cover in the LWB position if needed. He is quick, technically sound, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, and can create opportunities for the attackers.
However, he has struggled with fitness problems in recent years; as a result, his development has been hampered. Nevertheless, he is still very young and has plenty of time to reach his full potential. So, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Man Utd should they purchase him.
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